Pearce lost his seat in November 2011 to Jerry Lewis, who is also Mormon and a Republican. Democrats and Republicans in the state worked together to collect more than 10,000 signatures to oust Pearce, taking aim at S.B. 1070 and allegations of illegal campaign donations by the then-lawmaker.

This year, though, Lewis won't be an issue. Due to redistricting, Lewis now represents a new district. Pearce will be up against Republican state Sen. Rich Crandall, who held on to his seat in 2010 despite a Tea Party challenge.

Pearce has already regained some standing in the state Republican party: He was elected vice chairman earlier this year.